There are around 6.8 million unemployed adults in America alone. Some are desperately searching for work, some aren’t. Others have just about given up. The good news is millions of positions become available every year. In fact, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) says around 19 million jobs will open each year across all education levels for the next ten years. The bad news is, we all know job hunting (and the steps that follow) is no walk in the park. At times, it can feel like actually hell on earth.
There’s an online community dedicated to shaming recruitersband sometimes job hunters, who seem to have forgotten how to conduct themselves in this day and age. And we are here for it. Recruiting Hell has more than 787,000 members. The mods invite people to share their most ridiculous experiences when it comes to the recruitment process. They offer to pay in… you guessed it: experience.
Bored Panda has picked our personal favorites from the page, for you to scroll through when you need a break from LinkedIn. Don't forget to upvote the ones you find painfully relatable. We also had an interesting chat with Eva Chan, a Career Expert for the online career resources platform Resume Genius. Chan shared some job-hunting tips with us and unpacked the best industries to be in in 2025.
#1 It Be Like That At Work
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"Millions of jobs are open, but actually landing one is a different story," Resume Genius' Career Expert Eva Chan tells Bored Panda during our interview. Chan explains that most companies now use what's known as applicant tracking systems (ATS) to filter resumes before a human even sees them.
"If your resume doesn’t have the right keywords, it might be rejected automatically — no matter how qualified you are," she says. "Right now, competition is also intense, as remote jobs and entry-level roles get flooded with applicants, and many companies prefer internal hires or referrals over strangers applying online. Sending out applications without connections can feel like shouting into the void."
The expert adds that the skills gap is adding fuel to the fire. "A lot of job seekers just don’t have what employers are looking for," says Chan. "Fields like marketing, HR, and finance now favor candidates with digital literacy, AI experience, or industry-specific software skills. If your skill set hasn’t kept up, standing out is even harder."
#2 When You Don’t Take No For An Answer
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Chan says if you're a job seeker who has applied for dozens of positions without any response, something is very wrong. It’s not just bad luck, warns the expert, adding that something needs to change.
"First, take a long, hard look at your resume and other documents you’re sending for each role. If you’re using the same one for every job, it’s probably getting filtered out before a human even sees it," advises Chan. She says tailoring your resume to each job by highlighting the right skills and measurable wins makes a huge difference.
"But even a perfect resume won’t help if no one sees it," cautions the career expert. "Most jobs aren’t posted publicly, and referrals often get priority. If you’re only applying online, you’re missing out. Connecting with hiring managers, networking, and working with recruiters (who are usually free for job seekers) can get your name in front of the right people."
Chan says it's also important to make sure your skills are up to date. "Many industries now expect AI literacy, data analysis, or industry-specific software skills — even in non-tech jobs. A short course or certification could be the boost you need," she explains.
#3 Agreed!
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Among Chan's top tips for job hunters in 2025 is to keep learning. "AI tools, digital platforms, and data analysis are becoming standard in most jobs — even outside of tech. Picking up new skills, whether it’s AI-powered marketing, project management, or industry-specific software, can make a huge difference."
The expert advises that you also network and use recruiters. "Connecting with hiring managers and working with recruiters (who are usually free for job seekers) can get your resume in front of the right people," she says.
"Lastly, stay flexible," adds the expert. "If your field is shrinking, look at jobs where your skills still apply. Retail workers can transition into customer success, and journalists can shift into content strategy. Career changes are more common than ever — but to do it right, you’ll need to plan ahead and make sure you can financially support the switch."
#4 Louder For The Ones In The Back
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#5 Can Someone Second The Motion For Me?
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The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts that 19 million positions will become available every year until at least 2033, and there are various reasons for this. “Most openings come from the need to replace workers who leave permanently, either to exit the labor force or to transfer to a different occupation. But others are from employment growth: that is, newly created jobs,” notes the BLS site.
#6 LOL
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But as we already know, not all jobs are created equal. Depending on your industry and experience, you might be looking at an annual salary that’s either way below or way above the median wage.
If you’re not familiar with that term, “a median wage is the point at which half of the workers made more than the amount, and half made less,” explains the BLS, adding that the median annual wage for all occupations in 2023 was $48,060.
#7 Adult Education
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#8 What Is Even The Point?
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#9 Sounds About Right
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Resume Genius recently published its 2025 In-Demand Jobs Report. The report details the 15 careers expected to see the highest demand over the next few months and ranks positions according to strong hiring potential, salaries above the U.S. median wage, and long-term stability.
It also gives some insight into whether or not we should be worried about AI stealing our jobs and how to stay relevant in the face of working robots. Keep scrolling for a glimpse into the report... and to find out where your industry ranks.
#10 Recruiter Ghosted Me Today So I Look Them Up
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#11 Not Enough Experience
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#12 Lately
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"Our study found that healthcare, tech, and business management are the top industries for 2025, offering the most job security and long-term career growth," Chan told Bored Panda.
“Workforce trends are shifting toward high-skill, high-impact roles,” added Geoffrey Scott, Senior Hiring Manager at Resume Genius, in a press release.
“AI and automation are handling routine tasks, but that’s driving demand for workers who can analyze data and make the decisions that AI provides. That’s why jobs like software developers, market research analysts, and management analysts are growing — businesses need people who can turn data into strategy."
#13 Finally, Realistic Requirements, I'm In
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#14 Creepy Much?
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#15 So This Just Happened
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According to the report, those in healthcare and logistics shouldn't feel threatened by the robots. "[Those] roles remain essential because they require hands-on expertise that automation still can’t replace,” revealed Scott.
In fact, nurses rank second on the Most In-Demand Careers for 2025, in particular, nurse anesthetists, nurse midwives, and nurse practitioners. These roles have a 40% job growth projected from 2023 to 2033. That's much faster than average. If you're not familiar with the positions, "nurse anesthetists administer anesthesia and manage pain, nurse midwives specialize in childbirth and women’s health, and nurse practitioners diagnose and treat patients, often acting as primary care providers," explains the report.
#16 Seen On Linked-In
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#17 Oldie But Goody
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#18 "They Care About Their Employees"
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The United States, like many countries, is currently facing a nurse shortage. And it's only expected to intensify. The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) explains that "as Baby Boomers age... the need for health care grows. Compounding the problem is the fact that nursing schools across the country are struggling to expand capacity to meet the rising demand for care."
"Healthcare is booming thanks to an aging population and ongoing provider shortages," says Chan. "Nurse practitioners, mental health professionals, and specialized medical workers are in high demand... This shift is huge for rural and underserved areas that need more healthcare access."
She adds that it's a trend we will see for years to come. If you're already in the industry or are considering breaking into it, Resume Genius puts the median annual salary at $129,480, adding that there are a projected 29,000 job openings each year. You will typically need a Master’s degree, though.
#19 Rejected On Christmas Night By The Grinch
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#20 Isn't This Illegal?
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#21 “Gen Z Doesn’t Want To Work”
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If nursing isn't your cup of tea, and you prefer a corporate gig, you might want to consider a General and Operations Manager role. As per the report, they "oversee multiple departments or locations to ensure everything within the business stays on track," and they top the list of Most In-Demand Jobs for 2025.
"Businesses constantly face new challenges, such as layoffs, rapid AI growth, and changing policies," notes Resume Genius report. "That’s a major reason why operations managers are in high demand — they help companies streamline inefficiencies and adapt to these changes."
"Business management is key to keeping companies efficient and profitable," adds Chan during our interview. "General and operations managers are in demand as businesses work to cut costs and manage hybrid teams. With online shopping, automation, and remote work reshaping industries, companies need strong leadership to stay ahead."
The median annual salary for these positions is $101,280, and you'll typically need a Bachelor’s degree, but it varies by industry. Job growth here is expected to be 6% between 2023 and 2033, with around 320,800 positions advertised each year.
#22 Job Hunting Is Absolutely Terrible
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#23 Then vs. Now
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#24 Data Analysis And Technology Degree Gets You A Job As A Dishwasher
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Software developers come in at number 3, with a median annual salary of $130,160 and projected job growth of 17%.
"Tech isn’t just for tech companies anymore," says Chan. "Companies are hiring IT specialists, marketing researchers, and data analysts to help them modernize and stay competitive. Even roles outside of traditional tech — like finance, marketing, HR, and education — now favor candidates who can navigate digital tools and automation."
#25 Are U Kidding
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#26 This Is Real F**kin Heartbreaking. There Would Be Countless Ppl Like This Guy In The Same Boat
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#27 God Forbid Training People
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Next on the list are heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers, who could earn around $54,320, give or take. And at number 5 on The Most In-Demand Jobs for 2025 are registered nurses, with around 194,500 registered nurse positions expected to be advertised annually.
These aren’t as specialized as the previously mentioned nurses, but they typically require a bachelor’s degree. The median annual salary is $86,070, and job growth until 2033 is expected to be 6%.
#28 9-12 Month???
I’d really love to know if anyone has any insight on recruiting processes that take more than 3 months from application submission to job offer, not even first day, just job offer? I’m perplexed.
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#29 Sent To Me A Full Minute After The Interview Was Supposed To Start
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#30 The Fact That They Saw My Resume Having 11 Years As A Line Cook And Have The Audacity To Ask If I Want To Be A Dishwasher Instead Of The Line Cook Position I Applied For
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#31 Hmmm
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#32 Resume Wasn't Good Enough I Guess
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#33 No. Thank You
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#34 Found This On Linkedin. It's Absolutely Insane How Awful This Job Market Has Become
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#35 Sorry What?
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#36 Routine Of A Recruiter In 2024 And Beyond
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#37 So Many Jobs You Want Probably Feel Like This And You Genuinely Wonder If Those Hiring Really Want The Absolute Best Yet The Job Looks Too Easy From A Simple Glance. Spare Me The Mental Gymnastics And Pseudo Intellectualism, This Is What Observant Candidates Feel
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#38 Funny, Cause It's True
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#39 These Fake Hiring Companies Are Out Of Control
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#40 This Sucks For Everyone!
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#41 Saw This In A Job Listing: "Ability To Work 7 Days A Week, 12 Hours A Day." Excuse Me, What?
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#42 I Think This Belongs Here
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#43 Copy And Paste Job Description From Chatgpt
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#44 Month 9 Of Being Unemployed With A Degree
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#45 Whiplash From Reading This Rejection Email
Seriously - who writes a rejection email like this? You can't start of saying I'm on the right track and you're glad that I applied and I seem to have what it'd take to work there to then rug pull me with a "the thing is..." in the next sentence.
What the hell IKEA...
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#46 What The Actual F**k Is This?
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#47 Called The Hr The F- Out Because They Made The Job Application Actual Living Hell
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#48 I'm Literally Just Trying To Apply To Burger King
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#49 AI Resume Screening Should Be Illegal
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#50 Well This Is A New One
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#51 There’s Just Not Enough American Engineers
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#52 Good Luck!
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#53 Next Time Some Delusional Halfwit Tells You There Is A “Shortage” Of American It Talent, Send Them This
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#54 Just Let Me Apply To The Damn Job ಠ_ಠ
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#55 Recruiters On Reddit: ‘We Are Forced To Post Fake Jobs! Not Our Fault!’
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#56 Now What In The Hell Does This Mean?
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#57 When I Got A Message From A Company I Applied To Three Months Ago
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#58 'stop Asking For Salary Range!'
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#59 Fake Jobs
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#60 Recruiter Cancelled 7 Mins Before Our Scheduled Call
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#61 Wtf..!!!
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#62 Saw On Facebook And Thought Of You
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#63 Didn't Respond On A Weekend And Got Fired Before Even Starting?
I didn't immediately respond to the manager for a position I had already been offered (have already received emails from HR with paperwork ready to go), and received this message the next morning. For context I received their question about paperwork on a Saturday, and today is currently Sunday. Should I have been expected to reply to a work message on a weekend? Additionally though, it seems excessive that it hasn't even been 24 hours since receiving their question and I'm being cut from the team due to unresponsiveness. Genuinely confused on what's just happened and this is both a vent and an "am I the a*****e?" post. How does everyone here feel about this?
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#64 🙃
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#65 I'm Convinced All The Hr Ladies With Psych Majors Are Why These Exist
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#66 Give Me A F**king Break
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#67 Ziprecruiter Just Makes Up Salaries To Anything You Type
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#68 My Reply To A Company That Wanted Me To Do An 8 Page Case Study Before Even Interviewing
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#69 I Guess Scheduled Times Are Just Mere Suggestions
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#70 I Got Stood Up By A Major Insurance Company Today
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#71 Is This Legal?
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#72 We're Actively Keeping To Fill A New Role
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#73 Just Sent My First Complaint Email About A Hiring Process 😗
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#74 Only Pure Engineers Are Allowed
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#75 This Current Job “Market” Is Literally A Complete Joke
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#76 Wow! 15 Whole Companies!
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#77 Our Fate
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#78 Everyone Right Now
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#79 You Have To Laugh So You Don't Cry
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#80 Oh Okay…
This is the response after waiting for 3 weeks 👍🏼
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#81 Almost 100 Days Later And Literally Nothing Has Changed At All Whatsoever
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#82 LOL Ok… Let’s See You Pay The Bill Then
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#83 So This Is How It Is On The Other Side
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#84 Holy Hell, Someone Said The Quiet Part Out Loud
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#85 Cover Letter Is Now Required For A Coat Check Attendant That Pays 13.72/Hr. I Give Up. I'm Done
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#86 How Do I Explain To My Mom That Walking Into A Store And Asking To Speak To A Hiring Manager Is Worthless???
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#87 Us Businesses Are Hiring At The Lowest Rate Since 2013, According To Bureau Of Labor Statistics Data
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#88 It Do Be Like That
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#89 Getting There
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#90 Is This Not Hazing?
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#91 They Keep Telling Me To Hang In There
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#92 Meme
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#93 Wait I'm So Confused Is This A Trap Question
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#94 Is It That Serious?
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#95 Umm, I Did Show Up To My Interview… Wtf???
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#96 So Happy!
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#97 I Decided Shortly After An Interview That It Wasn't A Good Fit. This Was Their Response
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#98 Excuse Me?!
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#99 Life In It
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#100 I Screamed
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#101 Was About To Apply When I Saw This
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#102 Are You Even Getting Replies On Your Applications?
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#103 Recruiter Trying To Deny We Are In A Low Hire Market
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#104 2024 Wrapped! Mobile Software Dev (Native iOS) Yoe
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